September 15, 2025
I think his visit here is a testament to the durability, the strength of the Israeli-American alliance. It’s as strong and as durable as the stones of the Western Wall we just touched.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, referring to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio visiting Israel. The visit was planned before Israel’s strike in Qatar, which killed six people and halted ceasefire talks between terrorist group Hamas and Israel.
Why It Matters:
The U.S. has long been a close ally of Israel, but the Trump administration voiced disapproval over Israel’s strike in Qatar last week. In a press briefing before departing for Israel, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said, “Obviously we’re not happy about it, the President was not happy about it. Now we need to move forward and figure out what comes next.” On Friday, Qatar’s prime minister met with Secretary of State Rubio and Vice President JD Vance before joining President Donald Trump for dinner.
Meanwhile, leaders of Arab and Islamic nations are meeting this week in an emergency summit to address Israel’s strike on Qatar. Israel is also facing criticism from some United Nations members as it expands offensive military strikes into more areas of Gaza.
Learn More:
- Rubio visits Israel, expected to visit Qatar after strike on Hamas (Washington Post Gift Link)
- Rubio visits Israel in wake of Qatar attack (Politico)
by Karly Code, based in Kentucky
